March 30 , 2015
Math games can too often present the learning goal as an obstacle to overcome. Shooting aliens to solve fractions is an example. The result is a moment of fun punctuated by the chore of performing a task. In other words, the game actions—or core mechanics—do not match the educational goal. This is chocolate-covered broccoli.

The Land of Venn is an ingenious geometry game that aligns learning to fun. It smartly avoids being “edutainment” by putting play first. It is a universal mobile application in which you draw lines and shapes to learn about lines and shapes. The narrative, which is silly and amusing (as is the catchy music), is a tower defense game.

By performing the actions of geometry, players internalize the concepts. It is a clear example of constructivist learning—learning by doing. For example, children connect points (each point is a different enemy) to draw an isosceles triangle. As a result, confidence in abstract mathematical concepts is built as mastery of levels is met.